Modernizm is one of the many exhibitors participating in the 2011 Zine Fest Houston. Below is an interview with creator Stacy Kirages.

How did you become interested in zines?

I’ve always been interested in the DIY movement through different projects here and there, but I had never thought about making my own zine until the start of this year when I moved back to Houston to pursue a part time art-teaching job. I came across an article about zines while looking for something to work on during my free time and thought, “Hey, maybe I can make one for fun!” That is how my first mini-zine of Modernizm came about.

What is the concept behind your zine?

My zine, Modernizm, is all about art for art’s sake. I wanted to create an outlet where I could share with others my passion for and dedication to the arts, whether it’s visual, literary, musical, or any other art form. Like the name of the zine suggests, my goal is to have a clean and simple layout so that the reader can focus on contemplating the words and visuals on the page without too many distractions.

What new projects are you working on this year?

Since I started working on creating this zine in January, I’m constantly thinking of new ways to incorporate art in my everyday life. I’m organizing a mail art project with a small group of people, mostly friends, just to get some creative energy going, and I’ll probably feature this in a future zine. I can’t wait to see where this project goes.

What other creative ventures do you have besides making zines?

As an after school art teacher, the elementary school classroom is a place where I get to be creative 24/7, whether it’s testing out an art activity or helping a child problem solve about his or her artwork. Watching children create art is something that inspires me to continue with my own artistic endeavors. Oh, and to answer the question more directly…I like making watercolor and ink drawings of random things, like fruit.

What is something you’re looking forward to about the 2011 Zine Fest Houston?

Since I’m pretty new to this scene, I’m mainly looking forward to learning as much as possible at this year’s Zine Fest Houston. I’m also excited to see what other kinds of zines are out there as well as meet the creators behind them. As a proponent of sharing and collaboration, I know that the Houston zine community will be a great place for that and I’m sure it will be a great learning experience.